Tabelog ratingMori Fuji (森ふじ) offers a rare experience in Tokyo: a blend of high-end kaiseki dining with the live performance of teppanyaki. In an intimate setting in Shinjuku's quiet Nandomachi neighborhood, the chef and his wife host just a handful of guests at a five-seat counter and in a small private room. The focus is on seasonal ingredients, particularly boat-caught fish sourced by the chef himself, which are cooked with impeccable timing on the iron plate.
Reviewers consistently praise the chef's masterful temperature control, which brings out the best in seasonal delicacies like abalone, matsutake mushrooms, and ayu sweetfish. The meal builds towards celebratory starch dishes, also finished on the teppan. Signature items include the unagi confit rice bowl (鰻玉丼), a rich and savory creation, and a choice between a fragrant garlic rice or a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to close the meal. Portions are noted to be very generous, with many diners reporting being completely full.
The main challenge is securing a seat. The restaurant was historically introduction-only and remains very difficult to book. The menu is verbal only, with no printed version available in English or Japanese. While the service is warm and personal, the drinks list is considered somewhat limited by some. Diners should be prepared for the final bill to climb significantly above the base course price with drinks and extras. Reviewers in 2024-2026 noted the omakase course was billed around ¥33,000, with final checks often landing between ¥50,000 and ¥67,000 per person including drinks.
Despite the high price and booking difficulty, guests agree that Mori Fuji offers excellent value for a truly special meal, celebrating technical skill and first-rate seasonal Japanese produce.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and extremely difficult to secure. The restaurant was historically by introduction only, but now has occasional direct booking or cancellation slots. It is best to ask a hotel concierge or a Japanese-speaking contact for assistance.
- Getting There: The restaurant is located on the 1st floor of The Figaro Ichigaya building, a short walk from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station.
- Seating: There are only 5 seats at the counter and one private room for up to 6 guests.
- Menu & Language: The restaurant serves a chef's-choice omakase menu only. There is no printed menu, and service is conducted in Japanese.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Service Charge: A 10% service charge is added to the final bill.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin-operated parking is available nearby.
